Things You'll Need:
- Mirror
- Friend
- List of interview questions
- optional: video recorder
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Step 1
First, you need to practice doing mock interviews. This is the best way to get comfortable and prepare for interviews. It is not wise to wing your interview. Rather, it’s important to prepare as much as you can. So, get a friend and list of typical interview questions. You can find questions through the website, get-into-medical-school.com in the resource section.
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Step 2
Second, sit down with your friend and do a mock interview. Have them start off easy by asking easy, straightforward questions. At the same time, have the interviewer observe your poise and how you express yourself. For example, do you sit up straight and exude confidence? Do you slouch instead and portray disinterest? Do you say “umm” when you speak? These are things that you need to work on because interviewers will be watching out for this. They will be asking themselves, “Can I see this person treating a loved on as a doctor?”
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Step 3
Third, have the interview ask more difficult questions. In fact, they should grill you and try to make you feel uncomfortable. At certain interviews, you will face interviewers who will intentionally make you uncomfortable to see how you react to stress. Just keep your cool and answer their questions honestly and professionally as possible.
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Step 4
Fourth, practice answering questions in front of a mirror. If you prefer, record yourself doing mock interviews and then review the tape. Look for your poise and how you express yourself. Do you use a lot of hand gestures? Practice as much as you can until you work out kinks.
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Step 5
Fifth, Make sure you get adequate rest the night before the interview. Eat breakfast because it will be a long day and you need all the energy you need to stay alert.
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Step 6
Sixth, during the interview, answer questions honestly as possible. Don’t try to make up answers if you really don’t know. Interviewers will see right through you. If you really don’t know, admit it and move on. Just make sure you show enthusiasm and energy. I cannot emphasize this enough. Interviewers want to see if you really want to be a doctor! They don’t want good answers. They want good answers with passion! They want to see it in your eyes. Don’t go overboard though, but make sure you mean everything you say.
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Step 7
Seventh, if you have a panel interview, make sure to pay attention to those around you when they speak. This shows that you have respect for others when they speak and the interviewer may even ask what you think of the answer your fellow interviewers say. So pay attention!
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Step 8
Finally, send thank you notes to your interviewers. Thank them for taking the time to interview you. It won’t necessarily get you into medical school, but it’s good to show professionalism and etiquette. Even if you decide not to go to a particular medical school, you never know if you’ll meet them again in the future.
